Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living
You'd spend $469/month more in Knoxville, TN
$150.0K in your current city equals $155.6K in Knoxville, TN
Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.
Winston-Salem, NC
Knoxville, TN
Winston-Salem, NC
The Tar Heel State
Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 250K residents.
Knoxville, TN
The Volunteer State
Located in Tennessee, this city has a population of 198K residents.
💡 Advantage: Tennessee has no state income tax!
Cost Breakdown by Category
Annual spending: Winston-Salem, NC vs Knoxville, TN
| Category | Winston-Salem, NC | Knoxville, TN | Difference | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Housing | $2,131/mo | $2,378/mo | ↑ $247more | 11.6% |
Other | $1,574/mo | $1,668/mo | ↑ $94.61more | 6.0% |
All Utilities | $519/mo | $468/mo | ↓ $50.74less | 9.8% |
Healthcare | $601/mo | $556/mo | ↓ $44.94less | 7.5% |
Transportation | $1,202/mo | $1,236/mo | ↑ $34.15more | 2.8% |
Groceries | $959/mo | $967/mo | ↑ $8.05more | 0.8% |
🏠Rent Comparison
1BR range: $960–$1,260/mo
1BR range: $980–$1,480/mo
💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.
Home Values
Homes in Knoxville are 46% more expensive than Winston-Salem
Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026
Tax Comparison
Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary
Winston-Salem, NC
Knoxville, TN
Additional Tax Information
Winston-Salem, NC Tax Rates
Knoxville, TN Tax Rates
💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.
Environment
💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between North Carolina and Tennessee on TaxTakeHome.com
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